Thread: Hard Start When Cold

05' GTP, bone stock, 63k miles.

When it's cold, and only cold; engine will crank over and immediately die, or sometimes it cranks multiple times with a sputtering start that dies. Never does this past two or three times, it will then start up normal, no driveability issues or idling trouble, and it will never do it once warmed up. It won't do it when it sits for a few hours in a parking lot, it has to be completely cold as in the morning before going to work.

I suspect that the fuel is completely draining from the lines and the fuel pump runs dry, hence the need to crank it a few extra times to get the fuel re-primed in the line, and since the car doesn't have any other issues. I've done a recent tune up (complete) to include PCV and clean MAF, TB and so forth.

Does my theory make sense? I'm going to test it in the morning by turning the ignition on (but not starting) then turn off, so that the fuel pump primed a bit, then repeat 3 times before attempting a start. If this cures the problem then I will assume I am correct.

If my theory is busted, I guess my next step would be to assume that the "all in one" fuel pump assembly within the tank is faulty and I should cough up 350$ for a new one? I don't think so, if the fuel pump was dirty, or getting weak, it would cause other issues at all different times, not just a cold start, right?

I don't suspect Ignition, because I do not have any CEL or performance issues, it still gets great gas mileage.

Mine does the same thing. I have an 04. I suspect it's a fueling issue because the tb is clean, injectors are good, everything involving spark is good or has been changed. I suspect since it's returnless, there is a mechanism in tank with the pump similar tk a fuel pressure regulator that is bad, or the pump is weak during the first start of the morning. I'm just thinking outloud, but I suspect a fueling issue on my end.

Originally Posted by OH4CompG

Mine does the same thing. I have an 04. I suspect it's a fueling issue because the tb is clean, injectors are good, everything involving spark is good or has been changed. I suspect since it's returnless, there is a mechanism in tank with the pump similar tk a fuel pressure regulator that is bad, or the pump is weak during the first start of the morning. I'm just thinking outloud, but I suspect a fueling issue on my end.

I agree since I have identical situation (Everything clean and no CEL)
Question is...replace the pump now, or wait until is completely goes bad? What is the average service life for 04' and newer pumps? I've heard of them going faster than the older ones with seperate pump and filter since the only filtering being done is inside the tank without a way to service it. I only run 92+ and occasional fuel injector cleaner every fill up or so. I never let it run past 1/2 tank...unless it's between pay-days.

Well my 04 still has an external fuel filter. But I'm thinking it's still fuel pressure related. I've contemplated getting a racetronix pump setup, but I need a pre-92 canister to make it work

OK, I think 05' started the all in one pump and filter inside the tank.
So I tried my theory out, I went out first thing in the morning and went through 3 times of turning key to on position for a few seconds, then wait a few seconds, repeat. The engine did the same thing and had a failed first attempt to start (Crank over and catch, then immediately die) But just like every other time, it starts right up the second start with no other issues. I decided to not let it run, and turned it off immediately so it did not have a chance to warm up at all.

About 4 hours later (while I'm at work) my wife awakes and goes to start the car and it started right up with no problem. So this must confirm my theory about the fuel emptying out of the lines/or weak pump prime. The fuel from my morning startup must have still been in the line with some pressure behind it, it must take several hours to lose pressure and completely drain.

If this is the only problem I have to deal with, I'm still very satisfied with my GTP.

Hello
I have a 97 GT 3.8L GP with the exact same problem.. no fuel pressure when cold while cranking for several seconds, I cycle the key again.. and then I have good fuel pressure and it starts and runs great afterwards.. full power with no hesitation.. but when I let it sit overnight.. it hard starts again.. I agree that it seems like the fuel line empties or the fuel pump has an issue with priming, etc.

Did you ever find the problem? if so. what was the problem? Thanks